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Grease Bats
So, no one told you life was gonna be this gay! Grease Bats stars Andy, a trans genderqueer individual who is both tough and loving, and their BFF Scout, an all-feelings-all-the-time mistake-maker.
Andy and Scout are best buds, roommates, and gay disasters. Along with their friends and plenty of beer, they’re just trying to make it through their 20s, survive late capitalism, and navigate the dating world. Tough and loving Andy is a genderqueer trans individual, who dates like there’s no tomorrow, while Scout, an all-feelings-all-the-time mistake-maker, is still languishing over her ex-girlfriend…from like two years ago.
Created by Archie Bongiovanni (The Quick and Easy Guide to They/Them Pronouns) and originally published on Autostraddle, this edition collects all the best misadventures, internet dates, and bad decisions in one place!
Andy and Scout are best buds, roommates, and gay disasters. Along with their friends and plenty of beer, they’re just trying to make it through their 20s, survive late capitalism, and navigate the dating world. Tough and loving Andy is a genderqueer trans individual, who dates like there’s no tomorrow, while Scout, an all-feelings-all-the-time mistake-maker, is still languishing over her ex-girlfriend…from like two years ago.
Created by Archie Bongiovanni (The Quick and Easy Guide to They/Them Pronouns) and originally published on Autostraddle, this edition collects all the best misadventures, internet dates, and bad decisions in one place!
304 pages, Paperback
First published September 3, 2019
19 people are currently reading
1013 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
September 23, 2019
***Advance Review Copy generously provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a tough book for me to rate.
My main issue was probably with the art, and yes, I get it that it's a part of the image. However, I did not enjoy the art. Seemed like a scatch which was supposed to be improved.
Also, the handwriting was sometimes a bit tiring to read.
I have to say that visual is the place where this book lost one star.
Sometimes I found myself skipping ahead, stopping mid "story" and going to the next.
Also, I had to stop repeatedly before continuing with this book. Sometimes this was a bit overwhelming for me, and I did not want to continue to read it and had to put it down for a day or two. To a certain extent, I even have to say that sometimes it felt tiring reading this which is not something you would expect from a book like this. (Be it a good thing or a bad one, that's probably up to you to decide.)
This book definitely has its audience out there. However, I don't think I'm necessarily that audience.
This is a tough book for me to rate.
My main issue was probably with the art, and yes, I get it that it's a part of the image. However, I did not enjoy the art. Seemed like a scatch which was supposed to be improved.
Also, the handwriting was sometimes a bit tiring to read.
I have to say that visual is the place where this book lost one star.
Sometimes I found myself skipping ahead, stopping mid "story" and going to the next.
Also, I had to stop repeatedly before continuing with this book. Sometimes this was a bit overwhelming for me, and I did not want to continue to read it and had to put it down for a day or two. To a certain extent, I even have to say that sometimes it felt tiring reading this which is not something you would expect from a book like this. (Be it a good thing or a bad one, that's probably up to you to decide.)
This book definitely has its audience out there. However, I don't think I'm necessarily that audience.
September 21, 2019
❥ 3 / 5 stars
[ e-ARC received from NetGalley ]
Truthfully, Grease Bats is somewhat fun and humorous but in my opinion, I think this book is not for me. I’m so sorry and I wish I had enjoyed it more than I did.
Thanks to NetGalley and BOOM! Studios for providing this e-ARC to me in exchange for an honest review.
[ e-ARC received from NetGalley ]
Truthfully, Grease Bats is somewhat fun and humorous but in my opinion, I think this book is not for me. I’m so sorry and I wish I had enjoyed it more than I did.
Thanks to NetGalley and BOOM! Studios for providing this e-ARC to me in exchange for an honest review.
September 9, 2019
I loved this book! I don't think it's a stretch to call it 2019's version of Dykes To Watch Out For. It so perfectly captures a queer friend group in our own era- I felt like I knew the characters already, and many queer readers will probably feel it was written about their own community. Many of these strips were serialized on Autostraddle (and can still be found there: https://www.autostraddle.com/?s=greas...) but there's a generous helping of new content for the print book. Snap it up, or gift it to your favorite disaster queer :D
November 4, 2019
The first part of the book is two-stars for me, as the two main characters, Scout and Andy, were a bit off-putting. Andy is just annoying in a dumb, extroverted, self-destructive way, and I'm not sure their relationship with the less outgoing Scout is particularly healthy for either of them. But then Ari, Gwen and Taylor showed up and started getting more face-time, and they were much more reasonable and centered characters, people I could imagine being in the same room with -- especially the introverted Ari, not talking of course, but reading silently in our own corners.
This is a cartoon collection, with each chapter being five gag strips telling a short story or vignette about the core characters. They weren't particularly humorous strips to me, but I appreciated that there was a lot of truth to digest.
This is a cartoon collection, with each chapter being five gag strips telling a short story or vignette about the core characters. They weren't particularly humorous strips to me, but I appreciated that there was a lot of truth to digest.
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August 5, 2019
Queer besties Andy and Scout navigate life, love, friendship, the tumultuous political environment and their 20s in this hilarious comics collection.
I was not expecting to love this nearly as much as I did. I’m not sure why? But I’m thinking it’s because I saw the cover, with the kinda not the best illustrations (they reminded me vaguely of Beavis and Butthead or King of the Hill), so was leery?
But set aside your reservations—this is timely poignant and holy fucking shirtballs hilarious.
Andy is a trans genderqueer person of color whose life is kiiiiiiiiiinda a dumpster fire but also they just like to life by the moment (outwardly the toughest, inwardly the most sensitive).
Scout is Andy’s BFF, an over-thinking feeler who wants to date again but can’t move on from her ex-girlfriend…of two years ago. She’s super heckin’ awkward around those she finds attractive, and takes three hours to send texts to girls who end up being straight. She also likes burritos (and turning herself into a burrito).
Ari is Andy and Scout’s new roommate, an aro ace trans introvert who will bluntly tell the others how it is (and that she will not be joining them for meaningless holidays or participating in worthless capitalistic rites of passage). She also has silent Saturdays and solo Sundays, which are hilarious and also I 100% agree with.
Gwen has newly broken up with her boyfriend of five years and is ready to embrace her bisexual self—except she’s never done anything with the opposite sex and does that means she’s not queer?? Anywho, she explores her sexuality, has an awakening, and realizes that you can have it all—although sometimes you also have to unpack of a lot of societal expectations, particularly when it comes to family who don’t accept you or have awful, bigoted views of the world.
Taylor is…a grad student.
In the forward, A.E. Osworth talks about how they and their friends tried to match themselves to a Grease Bat, and then realized that they were all shades of each character.
I absolutely agree. I found myself in each character—from Gwen and Taylor’s struggle to believe they belong in queer spaces (either from realizing their sexuality late or experimenting with it late or being queer and never having had sex before), to Ari’s lack of fucks and extreme introvertism, to Scout’s agonizing over every romantic thing, to Andy’s floppies, to Taylor’s social awkwardness.
There’s a little something for everyone. And a little Grease Bat in everyone.
Additionally, there’s intersectionality, the exploration of gender norms and queerness, seriously funny t-shirts and hats, mental health discussions, interesting jort choices, and social and political commentary—and also much talk of microaggressions, such as addressing a group of people “hello ladies” or taunting non-feminine conforming individuals who aren’t wearing their three articles of gender-conforming apparel (it’s like a more aggressive form of 17 pieces of flair). And much drinking and a little casual cocaine.
Anywho, if you’re exhausted by the constant attack on queer spaces and queer rights, and need something that’s #ownvoices and inclusive and all-around adorable, check this out.
I received this ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
For my review but with ~pictures~ check out my blog, The Suspected Bibliophile
I was not expecting to love this nearly as much as I did. I’m not sure why? But I’m thinking it’s because I saw the cover, with the kinda not the best illustrations (they reminded me vaguely of Beavis and Butthead or King of the Hill), so was leery?
But set aside your reservations—this is timely poignant and holy fucking shirtballs hilarious.
Andy is a trans genderqueer person of color whose life is kiiiiiiiiiinda a dumpster fire but also they just like to life by the moment (outwardly the toughest, inwardly the most sensitive).
Scout is Andy’s BFF, an over-thinking feeler who wants to date again but can’t move on from her ex-girlfriend…of two years ago. She’s super heckin’ awkward around those she finds attractive, and takes three hours to send texts to girls who end up being straight. She also likes burritos (and turning herself into a burrito).
Ari is Andy and Scout’s new roommate, an aro ace trans introvert who will bluntly tell the others how it is (and that she will not be joining them for meaningless holidays or participating in worthless capitalistic rites of passage). She also has silent Saturdays and solo Sundays, which are hilarious and also I 100% agree with.
Gwen has newly broken up with her boyfriend of five years and is ready to embrace her bisexual self—except she’s never done anything with the opposite sex and does that means she’s not queer?? Anywho, she explores her sexuality, has an awakening, and realizes that you can have it all—although sometimes you also have to unpack of a lot of societal expectations, particularly when it comes to family who don’t accept you or have awful, bigoted views of the world.
Taylor is…a grad student.
In the forward, A.E. Osworth talks about how they and their friends tried to match themselves to a Grease Bat, and then realized that they were all shades of each character.
I absolutely agree. I found myself in each character—from Gwen and Taylor’s struggle to believe they belong in queer spaces (either from realizing their sexuality late or experimenting with it late or being queer and never having had sex before), to Ari’s lack of fucks and extreme introvertism, to Scout’s agonizing over every romantic thing, to Andy’s floppies, to Taylor’s social awkwardness.
There’s a little something for everyone. And a little Grease Bat in everyone.
Additionally, there’s intersectionality, the exploration of gender norms and queerness, seriously funny t-shirts and hats, mental health discussions, interesting jort choices, and social and political commentary—and also much talk of microaggressions, such as addressing a group of people “hello ladies” or taunting non-feminine conforming individuals who aren’t wearing their three articles of gender-conforming apparel (it’s like a more aggressive form of 17 pieces of flair). And much drinking and a little casual cocaine.
Anywho, if you’re exhausted by the constant attack on queer spaces and queer rights, and need something that’s #ownvoices and inclusive and all-around adorable, check this out.
I received this ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
For my review but with ~pictures~ check out my blog, The Suspected Bibliophile
July 16, 2019
★★★,5⭐ | "I'm in the middle of experiencing my feelings." "On... the floor?" "Yeah, where else would I have emotions? A chair?!"
It's hard to review this one because I moderately enjoyed it but I don't have much to say about it.
This is a series of comic strips about two BFF, Andy - a genderqueer non-binary person in a polyamorous relationship and lots of casual sex with people of various genders and Scout a lesbian who can't get over her ex and is tragic at getting dates. Along with three of their other friends they experience the various aspects of life in the queer community with various ups and downs.
Archie Bongiovanni has shown many aspects of queer life from different perspectives with different needs, personalities, and expressions of their queerness. The whole thing is also overflowing with humour but 300 pages of comic strips of mostly slice-of-day with little plot content can be a bit monotonous and personally after a while some jokes started to seem bland and I felt a kind of 'scrolling through social media' detachment.
However, this is mostly just my preferences getting in a way and doesn't mean others can't enjoy it. If you like funny slice-of-day strips about queer life (and perhaps if you don't intend to read the whole thing at once) this is at least worth a try.
I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It's hard to review this one because I moderately enjoyed it but I don't have much to say about it.
This is a series of comic strips about two BFF, Andy - a genderqueer non-binary person in a polyamorous relationship and lots of casual sex with people of various genders and Scout a lesbian who can't get over her ex and is tragic at getting dates. Along with three of their other friends they experience the various aspects of life in the queer community with various ups and downs.
Archie Bongiovanni has shown many aspects of queer life from different perspectives with different needs, personalities, and expressions of their queerness. The whole thing is also overflowing with humour but 300 pages of comic strips of mostly slice-of-day with little plot content can be a bit monotonous and personally after a while some jokes started to seem bland and I felt a kind of 'scrolling through social media' detachment.
However, this is mostly just my preferences getting in a way and doesn't mean others can't enjoy it. If you like funny slice-of-day strips about queer life (and perhaps if you don't intend to read the whole thing at once) this is at least worth a try.
I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
__________________________
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October 18, 2019
The moment I read the tagline 'so no one told you life was gonna be this gay!’, I knew I had to get my hands on Grease Bats. It’d already popped up on my Goodreads feed enough times to catch my attention. Was diving into it completely blind the best idea? Possibly not. I didn’t realise this was not a bindup of a popular webcomic strip, rather than a traditional graphic novel… but it won me over with its hilarious cast.
Friendship to the max!
Found family plays a huge role in these comics, which I loved. It was refreshing seeing a group of friends who, thanks to their different life circumstances, had found solace in their own queer family. All of the characters were unique and individual with strong personalities, it was a lot of fun seeing their dynamics unfold.
Sex, drugs & alcohol-fuelled drama.
The editor said in the introduction that they love Grease Bats because every reader can relate to at least one of the characters. They’re a Scout and I am – without a doubt – an Ari… which explains my slight dilemma. I struggle to get into the ‘plot’ of this because there wasn’t really a plot. It was more like 300 pages of Scout and Andy abusing alcohol to cope with their dating problems. I don’t believe you have to relate to a character or even like a character to enjoy their story, and you definitely don’t have to agree with their decisions. However, reading over 300 pages of slightly repetitive strips about clubbing and substance abuse was a bit too much for me. I was literally Ari when she told Andy off for their unhealthy coping mechanisms. Obviously, this is a Me problem. I know Andy & Scout’s shenanigans are realistic and probably relatable for a lot of readers. It’s not something I actually want to criticise the story for doing but it did impact my enjoyment.
Important discussions.
There were a lot of important discussions, though! My favourite was definitely the one where Taylor and Gwen talked about being a ‘good’ advocate. Taylor felt guilty for not attending protests but Gwen talked about how there are a thousand different ways you can show your support for a cause, no matter your circumstances. There was also some fantastic commentary on dysphoria, misgendering, and dealing with queermisic family.
The art style.
Bongiovanni’s style as a whole was not my favourite and it affected my enjoyment more than I expected. Black and white styles aren’t my go-to but it wasn’t the lack of colour that bothered me. The rough, pencil-sketch looked like the hand-drawn comics you draw for your friends during particular dull history classes. It was quirky and unique for sure but the rawness was easily mistaken for being drafted, rather than complete. I personally enjoy the elaborate, detailed art style of someone like Sana Takeda or the cutesy pastel style of Katie O'Neill.
The handwriting was also messy – messy enough to be illegible at times – and the use of haphazard lines instead of dialogue boxes made it difficult to follow the character’s conversations.
Overall?
This achieved its purpose of being a quirky comic about queerness, friendship and navigating your 20s. It’s a mix of Adulthood Is a Myth and Giant Days, Vol. 1, and I’d recommend it for fans of both or anyone looking to brighten their day.
◯ Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
➸ Trigger warnings for .
▷ Representation: Scout (mc) is a lesbian; Andy (mc) is trans, genderqueer & polyamorous; Ari (sc) is aroace & a trans girl; Gwen (sc) is bisexual; Taylor (sc) a qpoc.
Blog • Goodreads • Twitter • Instagram • The Book Depository
Friendship to the max!
Found family plays a huge role in these comics, which I loved. It was refreshing seeing a group of friends who, thanks to their different life circumstances, had found solace in their own queer family. All of the characters were unique and individual with strong personalities, it was a lot of fun seeing their dynamics unfold.
Sex, drugs & alcohol-fuelled drama.
The editor said in the introduction that they love Grease Bats because every reader can relate to at least one of the characters. They’re a Scout and I am – without a doubt – an Ari… which explains my slight dilemma. I struggle to get into the ‘plot’ of this because there wasn’t really a plot. It was more like 300 pages of Scout and Andy abusing alcohol to cope with their dating problems. I don’t believe you have to relate to a character or even like a character to enjoy their story, and you definitely don’t have to agree with their decisions. However, reading over 300 pages of slightly repetitive strips about clubbing and substance abuse was a bit too much for me. I was literally Ari when she told Andy off for their unhealthy coping mechanisms. Obviously, this is a Me problem. I know Andy & Scout’s shenanigans are realistic and probably relatable for a lot of readers. It’s not something I actually want to criticise the story for doing but it did impact my enjoyment.
Important discussions.
There were a lot of important discussions, though! My favourite was definitely the one where Taylor and Gwen talked about being a ‘good’ advocate. Taylor felt guilty for not attending protests but Gwen talked about how there are a thousand different ways you can show your support for a cause, no matter your circumstances. There was also some fantastic commentary on dysphoria, misgendering, and dealing with queermisic family.
The art style.
Bongiovanni’s style as a whole was not my favourite and it affected my enjoyment more than I expected. Black and white styles aren’t my go-to but it wasn’t the lack of colour that bothered me. The rough, pencil-sketch looked like the hand-drawn comics you draw for your friends during particular dull history classes. It was quirky and unique for sure but the rawness was easily mistaken for being drafted, rather than complete. I personally enjoy the elaborate, detailed art style of someone like Sana Takeda or the cutesy pastel style of Katie O'Neill.
The handwriting was also messy – messy enough to be illegible at times – and the use of haphazard lines instead of dialogue boxes made it difficult to follow the character’s conversations.
Overall?
This achieved its purpose of being a quirky comic about queerness, friendship and navigating your 20s. It’s a mix of Adulthood Is a Myth and Giant Days, Vol. 1, and I’d recommend it for fans of both or anyone looking to brighten their day.
◯ Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
➸ Trigger warnings for .
▷ Representation: Scout (mc) is a lesbian; Andy (mc) is trans, genderqueer & polyamorous; Ari (sc) is aroace & a trans girl; Gwen (sc) is bisexual; Taylor (sc) a qpoc.
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April 24, 2020
| Reader Fox Blog |
Honestly, I had the hardest time in the world coming up with my rating for Grease Bats by Archie Bongiovanni, a collection of comic strips about roommates Andy, who is trans-genderqueer, and Scout, who is gay. And initially, I was really excited to read this collection, thinking that it was going to be a lot of fun but I just found myself rather bored with everything and didn't really like the characters all that much. I recognize, however, that this is more personal feelings on my end and less a commentary on the material itself, which is why this was ultimately one of the most difficult books for me to rate.
One of the cool things I did appreciate and notice about the various comic strips was the way in which the characters' outfits--shirts for Andy and the hat for Scout--changed periodically throughout, featuring a variety of different phrases with each different moment of story being told. I think that the comics have some merit to them, but I found myself not really connecting with Andy's promiscuity or Scout's hang-up on her ex-girlfriend. I couldn't really bring myself to feel invested in the characters or their stories, which was unfortunate and kind of a let down.
In the end, I feel as though it's fairly obvious that this story simply isn't for me. And while I was drawn in by the Friends quote adaptation, the series wasn't really what I was expecting. I think this was partially due to the fact that promiscuity is not something I ever enjoyed on my own end--though I have no problem with others doing it--and pining after one's ex is something that reminds me of an awful time in my life. These factors ultimately left me feeling detached from the work as a whole, though I hope others enjoyed it more than I did.
I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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Honestly, I had the hardest time in the world coming up with my rating for Grease Bats by Archie Bongiovanni, a collection of comic strips about roommates Andy, who is trans-genderqueer, and Scout, who is gay. And initially, I was really excited to read this collection, thinking that it was going to be a lot of fun but I just found myself rather bored with everything and didn't really like the characters all that much. I recognize, however, that this is more personal feelings on my end and less a commentary on the material itself, which is why this was ultimately one of the most difficult books for me to rate.
One of the cool things I did appreciate and notice about the various comic strips was the way in which the characters' outfits--shirts for Andy and the hat for Scout--changed periodically throughout, featuring a variety of different phrases with each different moment of story being told. I think that the comics have some merit to them, but I found myself not really connecting with Andy's promiscuity or Scout's hang-up on her ex-girlfriend. I couldn't really bring myself to feel invested in the characters or their stories, which was unfortunate and kind of a let down.
In the end, I feel as though it's fairly obvious that this story simply isn't for me. And while I was drawn in by the Friends quote adaptation, the series wasn't really what I was expecting. I think this was partially due to the fact that promiscuity is not something I ever enjoyed on my own end--though I have no problem with others doing it--and pining after one's ex is something that reminds me of an awful time in my life. These factors ultimately left me feeling detached from the work as a whole, though I hope others enjoyed it more than I did.
I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
| Instagram | Twitter | Reader Fox Blog | Bloglovin’ | Facebook |
June 13, 2020
"I just don't think any knuckle tattoo will beat 'BOOK CLUB'"
This is such a funny comic bind-up! It consists of mini-comics surrounding best friends and roommates Scout and Andy and their queer friends. Aside from it being hilarious, it doesn't shy away from serious topics and feelings. I really enjoyed it, as it was a quick and light read for the most part, but also very validating. I loved how it was centered mostly around friendship and not romance, and the characters were entirely different from each other.
CWs: homophobia, transphobia, misgendering
This is such a funny comic bind-up! It consists of mini-comics surrounding best friends and roommates Scout and Andy and their queer friends. Aside from it being hilarious, it doesn't shy away from serious topics and feelings. I really enjoyed it, as it was a quick and light read for the most part, but also very validating. I loved how it was centered mostly around friendship and not romance, and the characters were entirely different from each other.
CWs: homophobia, transphobia, misgendering
May 7, 2021
enjoyed this!! glad I read DTWOF first, there are definitely a lot of similar themes and tones. I didn’t love everything about it — the settings were kinda weak, barely any panels had backgrounds. time skipped forward pretty fast (but also i read this in one sitting so.) I could’ve gone without all the drinking stuff but that’s just me. that said, I got attached to all the characters really quickly, and as a whole it was just a good time. BOOK CLUB is a banging knuckle tattoo, and a shirt that just says “PUP” is.. wonderful.
August 23, 2019
I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley
It took me a little while to get into this one but once I did it was really funny and relatable. I think that ideally if I wasn't reading it as an ARC I would have just had it laying around and read a few strips every day - every page is basically a 4-6 panel self contained webcomic, although several of them continue off each other chronologically - because I always find reading a ton of really short things all in a row to be weird, but it was overall really fun and definitely got better as they added more recurring characters besides just the main two. I personally really liked that they added an extremely introverted aro/ace character because I could use that character as a proxy to me being oftentimes baffled by the main two characters' actions lol. Being aro/ace and watching people try to be in relationships is just such a trip honestly. Anyway, definitely a cute book, would recommend!
It took me a little while to get into this one but once I did it was really funny and relatable. I think that ideally if I wasn't reading it as an ARC I would have just had it laying around and read a few strips every day - every page is basically a 4-6 panel self contained webcomic, although several of them continue off each other chronologically - because I always find reading a ton of really short things all in a row to be weird, but it was overall really fun and definitely got better as they added more recurring characters besides just the main two. I personally really liked that they added an extremely introverted aro/ace character because I could use that character as a proxy to me being oftentimes baffled by the main two characters' actions lol. Being aro/ace and watching people try to be in relationships is just such a trip honestly. Anyway, definitely a cute book, would recommend!
September 26, 2019
Happy to be the first one to add this! I love Archie's work, and I can't read to have a whole book of their art.
Update: It was wonderful! Postive and hilarious and generally perfect. Huzzah!
Update: It was wonderful! Postive and hilarious and generally perfect. Huzzah!
April 15, 2019
This made me smile and laugh so much and it's been a while that I've read a book like that. I actually laughed out loud and that doesn't happen very often and this contributes to me giving it a 4 star.
This is a collection of comic strips about Andie's life being genderqueer and living life as queer as possible and their friend Scout who is just a bundle of feelings and emotions as well as other characters that make an appearance; Ari and Taylor. They talk about their feelings, 2016 politics and onwards, roommates, dating, every day queer stuff, friendships, gender feels, identity, the number of queer spaces that are closing down, ex-partners, anarchy and capitalism. Andie is a very in your face and hilarious character. I really loved Taylor's character and I can very much relate to them and how they go through life. The way the comics are written and drawn, and the character's expressions it's as if you can actually hear them talking. Everything is so expressive and at points so dramatic that it feels so real!
Overall, I found this really fun and very enjoyable. I've been a fan of Archie Bongiovanni's work prior to knowing about this book and I haven't read their other book yet, but I've been reading their comics online and was anticipating the release/arc of this book.
One very important part of Andie's character in this book though is their t-shirts. You should look out for the tees they wear. It adds so much to their character.
(I received a free e-book copy of this title from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
This is a collection of comic strips about Andie's life being genderqueer and living life as queer as possible and their friend Scout who is just a bundle of feelings and emotions as well as other characters that make an appearance; Ari and Taylor. They talk about their feelings, 2016 politics and onwards, roommates, dating, every day queer stuff, friendships, gender feels, identity, the number of queer spaces that are closing down, ex-partners, anarchy and capitalism. Andie is a very in your face and hilarious character. I really loved Taylor's character and I can very much relate to them and how they go through life. The way the comics are written and drawn, and the character's expressions it's as if you can actually hear them talking. Everything is so expressive and at points so dramatic that it feels so real!
Overall, I found this really fun and very enjoyable. I've been a fan of Archie Bongiovanni's work prior to knowing about this book and I haven't read their other book yet, but I've been reading their comics online and was anticipating the release/arc of this book.
One very important part of Andie's character in this book though is their t-shirts. You should look out for the tees they wear. It adds so much to their character.
(I received a free e-book copy of this title from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)
November 24, 2019
This was so fun and good and relatable to read! It's so nice to see drawings of people who look like me and my friends. This was a quick read, and a good one.
April 16, 2019
*I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for a review*
I was so sad when this ended! I felt like I was hanging out with my friends the whole time I was reading it. I loved all the individual characters but Scout was my favorite. I loved the relationship that all of the characters had with each other and how they just seemed so respectful and loving. And if there ever was an issue they would talk about it (with much griping from Andy about ~feelings~) and work it out. Also, I loved all the Halloween parts because that is my favorite holiday as well! If you are any shade of queer there will be a character in here for you somewhere. I really feel like everyone is well represented in this comic. Highly recommend this!
I was so sad when this ended! I felt like I was hanging out with my friends the whole time I was reading it. I loved all the individual characters but Scout was my favorite. I loved the relationship that all of the characters had with each other and how they just seemed so respectful and loving. And if there ever was an issue they would talk about it (with much griping from Andy about ~feelings~) and work it out. Also, I loved all the Halloween parts because that is my favorite holiday as well! If you are any shade of queer there will be a character in here for you somewhere. I really feel like everyone is well represented in this comic. Highly recommend this!
May 21, 2020
*Thanks to Netgalley for providing the book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fun enough read. It straddled the line between a weekly, gag-centric comic strip and an ongoing story unfolding over time.
I found it fun, but a little tiresome: it was pretty repetitive, and very deep into queer politics. I don't think somebody that isn't waist-deep in queer theory/rhetoric would find it accessible. Which made it confusing: it's like it's teaching a lesson using advanced vocab, so I'm not sure who it's for. I think the people who could make heads or tails of it don't really need the message. Yet, it can be nice to be reminded. (Sections on imposter syndrome hit close to home.)
I wouldn't recommend trying to power through it in one sitting, like I did: I think it would play better by reading it an "episode" or two at a time and then walking away, like it was originally posted online.
This was a fun enough read. It straddled the line between a weekly, gag-centric comic strip and an ongoing story unfolding over time.
I found it fun, but a little tiresome: it was pretty repetitive, and very deep into queer politics. I don't think somebody that isn't waist-deep in queer theory/rhetoric would find it accessible. Which made it confusing: it's like it's teaching a lesson using advanced vocab, so I'm not sure who it's for. I think the people who could make heads or tails of it don't really need the message. Yet, it can be nice to be reminded. (Sections on imposter syndrome hit close to home.)
I wouldn't recommend trying to power through it in one sitting, like I did: I think it would play better by reading it an "episode" or two at a time and then walking away, like it was originally posted online.
October 18, 2019
(full review here)
reading more than 50 short comic strips with no overarching plot can get a bit monotone overtime, but this collection has a perfect balance of lighthearted fun, chaotic dumb energy, and heavy topics that i flew through it easily. there are strips where the characters just go drink beer and set something on fire in the back yard to blow off steam, there are ones all about reaffirming to each other – and the reader – that you’re perfect the way you are, and there are ones dealing with misgendering, homophobia, and the 2016 us election. the wide variety keeps it from getting repetitive and boring.
reading more than 50 short comic strips with no overarching plot can get a bit monotone overtime, but this collection has a perfect balance of lighthearted fun, chaotic dumb energy, and heavy topics that i flew through it easily. there are strips where the characters just go drink beer and set something on fire in the back yard to blow off steam, there are ones all about reaffirming to each other – and the reader – that you’re perfect the way you are, and there are ones dealing with misgendering, homophobia, and the 2016 us election. the wide variety keeps it from getting repetitive and boring.
October 9, 2019
this was super fun and i feel like i have known each of these characters at different times in my life. extremely relateable. a very accurate and loving portrait of those friends groups that every gay person has or had had. i want andy's shirts but tragically, i don't have the confidence to pull them off.
August 29, 2019
Archie Bongiovanni is one of the freshest voices in comics, and Grease Bats is a perfect representation of why. Read my full review at The Beat! Click here.
August 1, 2019
This is the cutest book in the world of LGBTQ+ literature, and I'm going to buy it for every single one of my queer friends. It's the book that the LGBTQ+ community deserves, and I've never seen anything like it before!
Here's the gist: This book is a compilation of comics written by Archie Bongiovanni, a genderqueer artist, for Autostraddle. The comic strips were compiled into this book. So it's not exactly a graphic novel because it doesn't have a completely connected plot, but there's still continuity and you can tell that time is passing. I was initially disappointed that it wasn't a graphic novel (which just shows that I need to read the blurb more carefully), but that disappointment didn't last past the first comic strip, because it's just so endearing!
The two main characters are Scout, a lesbian who still isn't over her ex-girlfriend Emily, and is absolutely hopeless at asking girls out. Andy is a polyamorous, genderqueer, extremely flirtatious and smooth person. Basically the polar opposite of Scout. But the two are best friends and support each other through all their romantic endeavors and misadventures.
What I love about this comic is that it's so clearly written by a queer person, for queer people. Andy's gender feels have a lot of credibility since they come from a genderqueer creator, and I learned a lot about what a genderqueer person's day-to-day life can be like. I was frustrated right along with Andy when they got misgendered - like when somebody at a restaurant would be like, "Hey ladies, here are your drinks!" Then Scout would be there to comfort Andy and try to distract them with something. Which would often be glitter, because Andy is a flamboyant person. :)
It talks a lot about the importance of having safe spaces for queer people and how much it hurts to have those spaces taken away - like a queer bar being bought by a straight cis man to just be a sports bar. Scout and Andy get rightfully upset about that.
The characters aren't perfect - they make mistakes and hurt each other accidentally. But they always have a conversation about what went wrong and then do their best to act better. This is such a realistic and wholesome thing to see, and it's great to have this behavior modeled in these characters. It can be really helpful for readers to know a healthier way to behave.
And the supporting cast of characters is so diverse across the LGBTQ+ spectrum, too! Ari is a trans girl who seems to me to be asexual and possibly aromantic. She never comes right out and says it, which is completely fine and realistic, too! Taylor is a gay girl who has never actually dated another girl and feels like an imposter because of it (which leads to some really excellent discussions of what it means to be "queer enough." Spoiler: if you identify as queer, then you're queer enough!) And Gwen is a bisexual girl who is a self-proclaimed slut and proud of it. The sheer amount of diversity illustrated in these characters is beyond fantastic, and I literally couldn't ask for a better roundup!
The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is because there are some typos throughout the comics. Can it be called a "typo" if it's hand-written? I completely understand having typos in the webcomic, because that's a more informal format. But when it comes time to turn said webcomic into book form, I think the spelling errors can be fixed. This included such mistakes as spelling weird "wierd." That said, I read an ARC, so this may be fixed in the final version.
In conclusion, this is one of the best books I've read this year, and the perfect gift for an LGBTQ+ person or anybody in their 20s trying to figure out who the heck they are.
***Thank you so much to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
Here's the gist: This book is a compilation of comics written by Archie Bongiovanni, a genderqueer artist, for Autostraddle. The comic strips were compiled into this book. So it's not exactly a graphic novel because it doesn't have a completely connected plot, but there's still continuity and you can tell that time is passing. I was initially disappointed that it wasn't a graphic novel (which just shows that I need to read the blurb more carefully), but that disappointment didn't last past the first comic strip, because it's just so endearing!
The two main characters are Scout, a lesbian who still isn't over her ex-girlfriend Emily, and is absolutely hopeless at asking girls out. Andy is a polyamorous, genderqueer, extremely flirtatious and smooth person. Basically the polar opposite of Scout. But the two are best friends and support each other through all their romantic endeavors and misadventures.
What I love about this comic is that it's so clearly written by a queer person, for queer people. Andy's gender feels have a lot of credibility since they come from a genderqueer creator, and I learned a lot about what a genderqueer person's day-to-day life can be like. I was frustrated right along with Andy when they got misgendered - like when somebody at a restaurant would be like, "Hey ladies, here are your drinks!" Then Scout would be there to comfort Andy and try to distract them with something. Which would often be glitter, because Andy is a flamboyant person. :)
It talks a lot about the importance of having safe spaces for queer people and how much it hurts to have those spaces taken away - like a queer bar being bought by a straight cis man to just be a sports bar. Scout and Andy get rightfully upset about that.
The characters aren't perfect - they make mistakes and hurt each other accidentally. But they always have a conversation about what went wrong and then do their best to act better. This is such a realistic and wholesome thing to see, and it's great to have this behavior modeled in these characters. It can be really helpful for readers to know a healthier way to behave.
And the supporting cast of characters is so diverse across the LGBTQ+ spectrum, too! Ari is a trans girl who seems to me to be asexual and possibly aromantic. She never comes right out and says it, which is completely fine and realistic, too! Taylor is a gay girl who has never actually dated another girl and feels like an imposter because of it (which leads to some really excellent discussions of what it means to be "queer enough." Spoiler: if you identify as queer, then you're queer enough!) And Gwen is a bisexual girl who is a self-proclaimed slut and proud of it. The sheer amount of diversity illustrated in these characters is beyond fantastic, and I literally couldn't ask for a better roundup!
The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is because there are some typos throughout the comics. Can it be called a "typo" if it's hand-written? I completely understand having typos in the webcomic, because that's a more informal format. But when it comes time to turn said webcomic into book form, I think the spelling errors can be fixed. This included such mistakes as spelling weird "wierd." That said, I read an ARC, so this may be fixed in the final version.
In conclusion, this is one of the best books I've read this year, and the perfect gift for an LGBTQ+ person or anybody in their 20s trying to figure out who the heck they are.
***Thank you so much to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
November 10, 2019
Aimed at a younger audience who may find binge drinking amusing. I welcomed Ari’s voice, who yearned for a sober conversation. Characters here are amplified, simplified, almost cartoonish. However, I do know people like this, even if I do not know all the US political acronyms these people are obsessed with. 3.5 stars
The book I read was heavy and awkwardly sized, hard to handle, which is a disappointment in a physical book.
The book I read was heavy and awkwardly sized, hard to handle, which is a disappointment in a physical book.
May 7, 2019
I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley.
Grease Bats is a funny and relatable look at queer life told through comic strips. I'd seen a few of these on @autostraddle but it was great to read through the whole collection and get a proper feel for the characters and their storylines (and decide which one I'm most like - I'd love to be confident femme slut Gwen but am probably more like emotional awkward bean Scout!)
Grease Bats faces all the dilemmas and delights of being queer, trans and genderqueer, from that weird way straight people buy you drinks because they think you're so precious, to nightmare families, to figuring out if you look queer enough to get a date, to what to wear on Halloween, the most important gay holiday of the year. Buy a copy for all your friends!
Grease Bats is a funny and relatable look at queer life told through comic strips. I'd seen a few of these on @autostraddle but it was great to read through the whole collection and get a proper feel for the characters and their storylines (and decide which one I'm most like - I'd love to be confident femme slut Gwen but am probably more like emotional awkward bean Scout!)
Grease Bats faces all the dilemmas and delights of being queer, trans and genderqueer, from that weird way straight people buy you drinks because they think you're so precious, to nightmare families, to figuring out if you look queer enough to get a date, to what to wear on Halloween, the most important gay holiday of the year. Buy a copy for all your friends!
February 14, 2020
"I just don't think any knuckle tattoo will beat 'BOOK CLUB'"
Fun stories. Interesting characters. I would prefer to read this one strip at a time rather than binge on it with a whole book.
Compares well with Wendel, Dykes to Watch Out For, and works of Ralf König.
Fun stories. Interesting characters. I would prefer to read this one strip at a time rather than binge on it with a whole book.
Compares well with Wendel, Dykes to Watch Out For, and works of Ralf König.
March 30, 2024
read this in a day. it was similar but different compared to dykes to watch out for - they are not the same but i do get why they are compared. this one was more modern (2014-19), and overall i liked it, though it was less detailed in art style and scope, read much quicker, and had fewer characters. i did think the book ended very suddenly and im not sure why
February 11, 2021
DTWOF: The Next Generation
I mean, I knew I was going to like this and I did.
I mean, I knew I was going to like this and I did.
December 16, 2019
I loved this so much! I'd read the occasion all comic on Austraddle, but it was a real treat to have this compilation. Reading through Scout and Andy's misadventures I was reminded so much of my own queer friends in the best possible way.
January 29, 2020
omg it's dykes to watch out for but for the 21st century i'm obsessed
May 14, 2019
Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this comic!
Title: Grease Bats
Author: Archie Bongiovanni
Rep: every single character is LGBTQ+. Genderqueer MC and lesbian MC.
Trigger warnings: homophobia, transphobia, dysphoria, misgendering.
This was such a lovely and refreshing comic! The story was super fun, while also delving into more serious topics. I loved how there was little to no romance and this focuses more on friendships and found family.
The lives of the main characters were hectic and full of drama, but I still loved it! The friends they make and the situations they face, while sometimes being OTT, were realistic. I connected to Gwen's character the most, even though she is a side character.
The artwork was beautiful, the lack of colour was a little disappointing, but still lovely.
Overall, I would highly recommend this comic to anyone who loves LGBTQ+ characters, funny but serious situations and the strong connections of friendship!
Title: Grease Bats
Author: Archie Bongiovanni
Rep: every single character is LGBTQ+. Genderqueer MC and lesbian MC.
Trigger warnings: homophobia, transphobia, dysphoria, misgendering.
This was such a lovely and refreshing comic! The story was super fun, while also delving into more serious topics. I loved how there was little to no romance and this focuses more on friendships and found family.
The lives of the main characters were hectic and full of drama, but I still loved it! The friends they make and the situations they face, while sometimes being OTT, were realistic. I connected to Gwen's character the most, even though she is a side character.
The artwork was beautiful, the lack of colour was a little disappointing, but still lovely.
Overall, I would highly recommend this comic to anyone who loves LGBTQ+ characters, funny but serious situations and the strong connections of friendship!
October 19, 2019
This was an absolute delight! I ❤️ Andy, Scout, and all their fellow queers that pop in and out of their adventures. Those adventures, so good and quite often I could personally relate! 😊
Even though this is a comic collection, these little vignettes would probably work just as good for me as text only short stories.
It’d be so cool to see a live action adaptation of this on Comedy Central or something like that.
Grease Bats will definitely be reread many times!
Thank you Archie!!!
Even though this is a comic collection, these little vignettes would probably work just as good for me as text only short stories.
It’d be so cool to see a live action adaptation of this on Comedy Central or something like that.
Grease Bats will definitely be reread many times!
Thank you Archie!!!
September 16, 2019
the introduction calls this the "spiritual successor to Dykes to Watch Out For" (Alison Bechdel) and I think that's 100% right. If you were sad when Bechdel's collection ran out and are looking for a politically current book about queer friends, and with a lot more Tinder, this is it!
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